News
Marathon man Tom gets on his marks to run into world record books
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TRALEE man Tom Foley is limbering up to take on the ultimate fitness challenge in August by completing 20 marathons in 10 days. Tom, who works in Tralee Town Centre Apartments, which are owned and managed by Lee Strand, will travel to Lake Orta in Gozzano in Italy, to embark on the challenge on Saturday, August 6.
In temperatures of f over 30 degrees, the 37-year-old will run over the ten days a total of 526 miles, with two marathons a day. “The first marathon will take place at 8am and the second marathon will commence at 2pm each day,” said Tom.
This event is a world’s first official 20 marathons in 10 days, with some of Italy’s top marathon athletes also taking part.
John O’Sullivan, general manager, Lee Strand, said: “Lee Strand is delighted to sponsor our colleague Tom in this remarkable challenge. Tom has put in a lot of training and is working hard on his strength and conditioning. Lee Strand Protein+ Milk has played an important role in Tom’s nutrition for pre-training and post recovery in preparation for the event.
“Of course we will also be sending a suitcase to Italy filled with Lee Strand Protein+ Milk to help with Tom’s preparation and recovery during the challenge!”
Tom, who is a member of Tralee’s Born to Run Club, said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge, but I reckon that it will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one! I would like to thank my sponsors Lee Strand Protein+ Milk who are supporting me with my travel, accommodation and entry fees for the 20 marathons. All proceeds raised from the challenge will be donated to the homeless charity Jacket Off Your Back.”
No stranger to fitness challenges, Tom has completed 27 marathons in the last three years. In 2014 he cycled over 2400km from St John's Church in Tralee to the Vatican in Rome as part of the ‘Home To Rome Cycle Challenge’ in aid of the Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation. The challenge was filmed and a documentary was broadcast on Irish TV called ‘Donal’s Message From Home To Rome’. In 2015 Tom took part in the Energia 24-hour Irish Championships in Belfast, when he ran over 103 miles around the Mary Peters Athletic Track 400m track in 24 hours.
Follow Tom’s journey on Facebook, “Tom Foley’s 20 Marathons in 10 Days” or if you would like to make a donation to his charity Jacket Your Back log on to www.gofundme.com/toms20in10
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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